Align Health Careers Institute Phlebotomy Program

The Phlebotomy Technician Program at Align Health Careers Institute is structured to get students workplace-ready without unnecessary delay.

Students are taught how to:

• Properly collect blood specimens using techniques like venipuncture, finger sticks, and heel sticks.
• Correctly label and transport lab samples.
• Recognize pre-analytical errors that could affect test results.
• Perform clinical procedures under the supervision of a physician or nurse.

An important perk is that all lab training is done on-site during normal class hours—there’s no need to commute elsewhere for lab practice, making it much more convenient than programs that require external clinical placements.

The course is 70 hours long, broken into instructional modules, combining classroom lessons with hands-on lab work. Once the course is finished, students can choose to sit for the NHA Certification Exam, giving them a recognized credential that could boost their job prospects.

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One of the most attractive features is the affordability. Tuition is $1,345, which is relatively competitive compared to other phlebotomy programs in Texas. Align Health Careers Institute offers flexible payment options to help students manage the cost, a big plus for those balancing education with other financial responsibilities.

Class options include:

• Daytime, in-person classes for students who prefer a traditional learning setting.
• Evening hybrid classes that blend online instruction with in-person lab work, ideal for working adults or those with daytime obligations.

This flexibility helps students of all schedules get the training they need without putting their lives on hold.

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During the program, students gain critical skills needed in real-world healthcare settings:

• Venipuncture techniques
• Finger and heel stick collection
• Proper specimen handling and transportation
• Patient identification and safety protocols
• Infection control practices
• Recognizing common errors in specimen collection
• Working effectively in clinical environments alongside nurses, lab techs, and doctors

The course is comprehensive enough to help beginners with no prior medical experience feel confident stepping into a healthcare role.

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Upon completing the program, students are eligible to take the NHA National Certification Exam for Phlebotomy Technicians. While certification is not mandatory for graduation or employment, it’s highly encouraged. Certification can make a candidate more competitive in the job market, especially in hospitals, private clinics, diagnostic laboratories, and physician offices.

Important to know: Certification is separate from graduation. You’ll have to schedule and pay for the NHA exam separately if you choose to pursue it.

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Here’s what you’ll need to enroll in the Phlebotomy Technician Program:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• GED or High School Diploma
• Government-issued ID
• Pass a background check
• Hepatitis B vaccination
• Students aged 16-17 may enroll with parent or guardian consent

These requirements are pretty standard for phlebotomy training programs and help ensure students are ready for healthcare environments where patient safety and professionalism are critical.

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A few things make Align Health Careers Institute’s program particularly appealing:

• Lab Practicum On-Site: No travel needed outside of normal class times.
• Evening Hybrid Classes: Designed to accommodate working adults.
• Small Class Sizes: Offers more direct attention from instructors.
• Flexible Payments: Makes the cost easier to manage.
• Media Coverage: The school was featured on CW-33, adding a layer of community recognition and credibility.

New but Nurse-Led: Though the school is newer, it’s led by experienced Texas nurses, which means the training is grounded in real-world healthcare knowledge, not just textbooks.

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Even though the school offers a lot of flexibility and affordable tuition, some students may find the newness of the school a point to consider. Founded in 2022, Align Health Careers Institute may not yet have the decades-long reputation that older schools have built. That’s not necessarily a bad thing—it just means students should ask questions about clinical partnerships, employer connections, and post-graduation job support during their enrollment process.

Also, certification after graduation is strongly recommended but not required. Students who don’t take the extra step to become nationally certified may find certain employers prefer candidates who have.

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